News & Views

Sheppard Investment Services Limited has been admitted as a licensed member Broker-Dealer of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE), further strengthening Sheppard’s presence and capabilities within the Eastern Caribbean financial market. Based in Saint Lucia, Sheppard will now operate as one of nine licensed ECSE member Broker-Dealers serving the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market. As an ECSE Member Broker-Dealer, Sheppard is authorised to facilitate the purchase and sale of securities listed on the ECSE, providing clients with greater access to investment opportunities across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The admission represents an important step in Sheppard’s continued regional growth and its commitment to expanding access to professional investment services and financial solutions throughout the Caribbean. In announcing the ECSE’s newest members, Stewart Haynes, Chief Executive Officer of the ECSE, welcomed Sheppard to the exchange, noting that the addition of new market intermediaries strengthens the ECSE’s distribution network and supports its goal of creating a more accessible, inclusive and resilient regional capital market. The ECSE plays a central role in the development of the Eastern Caribbean capital market, providing a regulated marketplace through which investors can access securities while businesses and governments can raise capital to support growth and development. For Sheppard, membership in the ECSE creates further opportunities to connect clients with regional investment markets while supporting the continued development of the Caribbean’s financial sector. About Sheppard Investment Services Limited Sheppard Investment Services Limited provides investment and wealth management solutions to clients located in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean, supported by the experience and capabilities of the Sheppard Group.

Global growth is expected to remain moderate but uneven across regions in 2026 as geopolitical tensions, elevated uncertainty, and tighter financial conditions weigh on activity. Trade and investment activity are also likely to remain subdued amid continued volatility and uncertainty, with economies benefitting from technology investment and those exposed to energy shocks the most impacted. Inflation is expected to remain above target for longer in many economies as higher energy and commodity prices have stalled the disinflation process. Further to this, renewed U.S.-Iran tensions have increased upside risks to inflation and downside growth risks, although continued investment and a normalization in trade activity could provide some support. We remain attentive to developments that could affect the balance of risks to the outlook. 

The fixed income market in H1 2026 was characterized by shifting yield curve dynamics, resilient investor demand, and muted primary market activity. Government, quasi-government and corporate issuance remained concentrated in a relatively small number of transactions, while lower system liquidity contributed to higher yields across the curve year-on-year. Excess reserves declined to TT$4.25 billion from TT$5.33 billion at the start of the year, reflecting tighter liquidity conditions. 

In July 2026, S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s BBB-/A-3 sovereign credit ratings while maintaining its negative outlook. The country’s investment-grade status was preserved but the rating agency signalled that credit risks remain elevated. 

On July 29, 2026, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept the federal funds rate unchanged at a target range of 3.50% – 3.75%, a decision that was largely anticipated by markets. The move reflected a solid pace of economic activity despite heightened uncertainty, supported by strong productivity growth, capital investment, and a relatively stable labor market.

Global macroeconomic conditions were uneven in Q2 2026. Growth expectations were moderate, inflation persisted and monetary policy remained relatively restrictive. However, easing geopolitical concerns created a more constructive backdrop, helping to improve market sentiment, even as underlying conditions remained fragile.